Jenni Hermoso hoping for 'beautiful' return to Spain squad for first time since Luis Rubiales guilty verdict following World Cup kiss scandal

Spain's all-time leading scorer last featured for the World champions in October, with coach Montse Tome citing "sporting reasons" for leaving her out of the last two squads.

On Friday, Tome will name the squad for the upcoming double header against Portugal and Hermoso is hoping for a first call up since former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing her without consent after the World Cup final win in 2023.

Hermoso told Marca: "For me it's the greatest honour I can experience in football because representing my country, Spain, is a beautiful thing. After more than 12 years playing for the national team, it's still very important to be able to go and continue contributing."

She added: "I haven't stopped working because whether it's on a sporting level, or a footballing level, I've tried to continue to maintain myself at this level so they can still see me wearing that shirt. For me, it's the greatest pride I can experience in football because representing my country is very beautiful, and after more than 12 years of playing for the national team, it's still very important to be able to go and continue contributing."

Hermoso is in fine form in Mexico, having scored nine goals for Tigres so far this season and will hope to be on Tome's list for the Nations League matches.